Chas' played his second lacrosse game last Saturday. He's been practicing for awhile, but there were a lot of games on Sundays so this is only his second game. The fields they play on seem so huge, but I'm certain that has something to do with the fact that the boys are still small...comparatively speaking. Chas is number 15.

He got a chance to play attack, goalie and midfield and seem to really enjoy the midfield position the best. Most of the boys are still so much older and bigger than he is (it's an 8 to 11 team and there's a big difference between an 8 year old boy and a boy that's nearly 12!), but he really held his own well. Chas is fast on his feet and it's fun to watch him pivot and turn around opponents in order to avoid getting checked by them.

If ever a child was a perfect fit for being a first child, Chas is. I keep telling him that God put him first in our family because He knows Chas can handle the added responsibility of going first -- being his parents first attempt at parenting (which we all know requires additional patience and forgiveness), being the brother that the others look to for help (which means pouring cereal on saturday mornings for more than just yourself, etc.), and being the child that sets the tone for how our family will work, live, and, hopefully, carry on legacies (think chores, baptism, mission, college, marriage -- in that order!). There's no use in trying to pretend like that isn't added pressure...it most certainly is. Just ask a first child all grown up and they'll tell you. So instead, I'm just preparing him for it...and dropping extra treats in his lunch on occasion so he knows that in addition to the extra responsibilities there can also be the extra rights as well. you know, candy rights, later bedtime rights, etc.

Oh how grateful this family is for 1. Chas and 2. Chas' strength of character. Dev and I always say we wished Chas could have been our older brother. :) Love you Chasbo...

Here's Ike during the game...

Copying Chas, of course...